Meet Dr. Clement Hilary
A Journey of Healing: Dr. Clement Hilary's Dedication to Serving the Underserved
Hailing from Bangladesh, a country where Christians make up only 1% of the population, Dr. Hilary's life has been a profound journey of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his community. This month, we're honored to share the inspiring story of this Christian general surgeon. In a serendipitous turn of events, Dr. Hilary's journey brought him to our nonprofit dental clinic.
A Calling to Serve
Born into a Christian family in a predominantly Muslim country, Dr. Hilary's path was guided by his parents' aspirations for him to enter the field of medicine. After completing his training in General Medicine in Thailand, he returned to Bangladesh and took up a government job. However, the pervasive corruption within the system and the bias against religious minorities compelled him to make a pivotal decision. With a decade of experience under his belt, he left his government position to embark on a new journey—one that would define his life's purpose.
Missionary Hospitals: A Beacon of Hope
Dr. Hilary found solace and purpose in working at missionary hospitals, which had been established by Christians in the country to provide healthcare to the underprivileged. These institutions not only treated the physically ailing but also represented a haven of compassion for those who were neglected by society. The dedicated medical professionals, including Australian and Japanese missionary surgeons, were determined to alleviate suffering and bridge the gap between poverty and healthcare.
Healing the Community
Caring for the poor was at the core of Dr. Hilary's mission. He recounted how he and his colleagues charged a mere 500 takas (around $5) for a c-section, only from those who could afford it. For the truly impoverished, the procedure was offered free of charge. His commitment extended beyond surgery—Dr. Hilary imparted his knowledge to others, training his assistant in surgical procedures and sharing the burden of delivering life into the world. His faith in his assistant's abilities even led to a poignant moment when his own child was brought into the world under his assistant's skilled hands.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Resilience
From hospitals to rural clinics to a leprosy missionary clinic, Dr. Hilary's service knew no boundaries. After two decades of tirelessly serving in Christian hospitals, he took a remarkable step by opening a private hospital in a rural community. His goal was to exhibit a Christian's dedication to the community's welfare, standing as a beacon of hope for those seeking compassionate care. His reputation as a Christian physician was not only a testament to his faith but also a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving those in need.
Faith in Troubled Times
In times of turmoil, faith becomes both a guiding light and a shield. During periods of regional instability, being a Christian became perilous due to the association with the West. However, Dr. Hilary and his colleagues found solace in the sanctuaries they had established. By serving their communities selflessly, they created a protective shield that dissuaded aggressors from targeting them. Their actions spoke louder than words, demonstrating the genuine essence of Christian values.
A Legacy of Service Extended
Beyond his medical endeavors, Dr. Hilary's legacy continued through his sons. Both moved to the United States to serve in the military, inspired by their father's dedication to service. His oldest son became a pharmacist and an Army Veteran, while his youngest recently retired from the Air Force. Dr. Hilary's decision to move to the US was driven by his desire to be closer to his family, a reflection of his commitment to the values that shaped his life.
A Toothache, a Connection
A significant toothache that had been causing him discomfort became an opportunity for us to reciprocate the care he had extended to countless others. It is with great honor and privilege that we had the chance to contribute to the wellbeing of a true humanitarian, whose life embodies the spirit of healing and compassion.
As we reflect on Dr. Clement Hilary's remarkable journey, we are reminded of the power of one individual's unwavering commitment to serving humanity. His life's work echoes the teachings of Jesus, as he dedicated himself to the welfare of the poor and marginalized. We are immensely grateful to have crossed paths with this extraordinary individual and to share his inspiring story with our valued donors. Your continued support allows us to carry forward the legacy of compassion, hope, and healing.
Thank you for being an integral part of our mission.